Heparin drip infusing in same port with other compatible drugs ok?

[nursenatalie, ADN, RN]

Had this discussion last night when we had a patient with a single lumen PICC with a heparin drip and D5NSwith 20K running they were both on an individual pump of course but infusing into the same port. They are compatible but a nurse on the floor was concerned about doing this as they usually use different lines...what do you do? Is it ok to run heparin drip with other fluids as long as compatible? Supervisor said yes but this nurse worked agency for a while and said every facility she went to said no!

[dazzle256]

Had this discussion last night when we had a patient with a single lumen PICC with a heparin drip and D5NSwith 20K running they were both on an individual pump of course but infusing into the same port. They are compatible but a nurse on the floor was concerned about doing this as they usually use different lines...what do you do? Is it ok to run heparin drip with other fluids as long as compatible? Supervisor said yes but this nurse worked agency for a while and said every facility she went to said no!

If they are compatible its ok to run together. I like to run them seperate if possible only because its good to keep the maintenance IV running alone in case of having to give emergency drugs.

[RNPATL, DNP, RN]

I generally like to run Heparin alone. However, with patients that are a tough stick or who have a PICC line, it is ok to run Heparin with another compatable fluid .... it is just not optimal.

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

I can't tell you how many things we run along with heparin. Our TPN almost always has heparin in it. Our kids usually have only one or two lumens, so we have no choice. Obviously if it's incompatible, we'll turn it off. But I've found it's pretty compatible.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

As a general rule, our patients who are on heparin infusions are our CV post-ops. If we have access issues, we'll run the heparin in with our vasoactive drugs. We usually have a stop-cock tree that's longer than the kid is, and often more than one! We get very annoyed when the anaesthetist puts in only a double lumen central line and no peripheral on these kids with the potential to be very sick. We get 'em when they're totally shut-down and cold, and then have to try for a PIV or else a second central line. Sheesh.

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Once again, if the drugs are compatible, no policy that states heparin must be infused alone, then by all means, make the patient and your lives a little easier, and use the access available.